How to Make Long Cuts With Table Saws
There are six basic cuts. The cross cut, the rip cut, the miter cut, the bevel cross cut, the bevel rip cut and the compound miter cut. Long cuts are technically called "rip cuts." Rip cuts are cuts made with the grain of the wood. One side of the wood must always ride firmly against the rip fence. Long pieces of wood must always be supported as they come out of the saw. Large panels may require multiple supports. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Remove the miter gauge from the saw. The miter gauge aligns wood for a cross cut, so isn't applicable here. Slide it out of its groove.
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2
Adjust the blade handle so that the depth of the blade is correct for the work piece. The saw blade depth needs to be greater than the depth of the wood.
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3
Position the rip fence. The rip fence is the secured metal fence that guides the piece of work. It needs to be at a distance from the blade necessary to provide you with the correct-sized piece of wood. Securely lock the handle.
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4
Set the blade to zero degrees.
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5
Set supports. You will need, at the very least, support behind the table for when the long piece of wood is cut and comes out.
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Turn on the saw after checking that the wood is clear of the blade. Let the blade build up speed.
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Push the wood past the blade. Keep it against the rip fence. Use a push stick to push it through. You can make a push stick if you don't already have one, it's just a stick of wood and keeps your hands away from the blade. Stand to the side of the wood. This is the safest position and will keep you out of the way of kickbacks from the wood.
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8
Turn off the saw and wait for it to stop before removing any lumber from the table.
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